jpnicho - I definitely think there is some relevance here, this is why I ask about the hardness of the Lapua brass even though they are annealed from the factory.

I cannot get out until this weekend but I intend to load a few vld's at 51grns. I'm also contemplating extending the OAL, though hesitant because I want 100% neck contact due to using this load for hunting (mostly for target but hunting nonetheless).

It can also be too light neck tension. If the powder is slow and the load light the bullet gets out before the case neck seals.
With new Lapua cases I doubt that neck hardness is the issue .
Try a tad faster powder or higher neck tension .

Bullet Bumper, I agree, this could also contribute to the cause. More neck tension - more pressure.

I believe the problem was due to low pressure. We could add neck tension, increase overall length, but I elected to increase powder charge. Today I shot 3 loads at 51gr of R22 and the powder residue was contained to the neck area only! I will not shoot more of these loads until I get a chrono to shoot across. I feel there are too many variable at play and fps is a critical piece of the puzzle that is missing.

Thanks to everyone who contributed. I MAY post my final findings but I'm sure it will be a long time down the road as I want to do this right and.......did I mention the 270WSM/300WM/22-250/223.......!